Major Political Parties In India: Party Signs and Importance

Major political parties in India are at their neck to neck for power. And another chapter for power play is happening right after Bangalore elections. It is now happening in Andhra Pradesh on 13 may 2024. Indian political parties share an energetic fabric that has been created by various ideologies, regional aspirations and historical legacies. Political parties of different beliefs and interests compete for power and influence from the vibrant streets of Delhi to the calm backwaters of Kerala.

This article examines the diverse range of India’s political parties, looking at their ideologies, importance and impact on different regions in India. Let us explore Indian Politics!!

The Indian Political Parties

The political parties of India feature a lively multi-party system regulated by the Election Commission of India (ECI). However, recognition as a national or state-level political party by EC also has its own set of provisions.

These include the much sought after reserved party symbol, free airtime on state-run media and say in important electoral decisions. But for those who wish to contest elections without the status, they must register themselves with the Election Commission.

As per ECI data released in March 2024, there are 6 national parties, 57 state parties and a significant number of unrecognised parties competing for political parties. All registered parties that take part in elections have to choose a symbol from the list provided by the EC which ensures fair conduct of polls throughout diverse regions of India.

To gain national party status, a political party needs to demonstrate its considerable presence either by securing not less than two percent of total valid votes polled in Lok Sabha General Elections from at least three states or winning minimum three seats in Lok Sabha at such election.

National Political Parties in India

According to Indian political system, a registered party earns national party recognition by meeting any of the following conditions:

Winning at least 2% of Lok Sabha seats (11 seats) from a minimum of three states.
Securing 6% of the vote share in four or more states in a Lok Sabha or Legislative Assembly general election, alongside winning four Lok Sabha seats.
Attaining state party recognition in four states.

Based on the above criteria, following are the 6 major National Political Parties In India according to the ECI in March of 2024:

1. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)

Political Position: Center to Centre-left
Policy: Populism, Secularism, Composite nationalism, Democratic socialism
Formed: November 2012
Headed by: Arvind Kejriwal
Seats held: 2 in Lok Sabha; 1 in Rajya Sabha; strong presence in state assemblies.
Logo: Broom
Explanation: The broom stands for AAP’s pledge to clean governance which would work for common people and clean Indian politics by eradicating corruption.

2. Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP)

Ideology: Ambedkarism, Self-Respect
Established: April 1984
Head: Mayawati
Spheres of influence: 8 Lok Sabha Constituencies and state assemblies representation
Symbol: Elephant
Meaning: It represents power, perseverance, and the party’s dedication to voicing for oppressed groups.

3. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)

Political Position: Right
Ideology: Hindu nationalism, Free-marketeering, Populism of the Right, Toryism
Established: April 1980
Chairperson: JP Nadda
Colours: The largest party in the Lok Sabha with 290 seats, a significant presence in the Rajya Sabha and numerous state assemblies.
Logo: Lotus flower
Interpretation: It represents racial purity, wealthiness and cultural tradition of India as well as embodies Hindutva ideology and vision for nation-building.

4. Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M))

Political Power: Leftist
Ideology: Marxism-Leninism, Socialism, Communism, Secularism
Established: November 1964
Head: Sitaram Yechury
Presence: It has a presence in three Lok Sabha seats, five Rajya Sabha seats and state assemblies.
Symbol: The symbol of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) is the Hammer and Sickle.
Meaning: It represents workers’ struggle for socialism and party’s commitment towards secularism and social justice.

5. Indian National Congress (INC)

Political Position: Centre
Ideology: Secularism, Civic nationalism, Social democracy, Liberalism
Founded: December 1885
Leader: Mallikarjun Kharge
Presence: 47 Lok Sabha seats, 30 Rajya Sabha seats, and extensive representation in state assemblies.
Symbol: A Hand
Meaning: It signifies unity, progress, and the party’s historical role in India’s independence movement and nation-building efforts.

6. National People’s Party (NPP)

Political Position: Centre-Right
Ideology: Regionalism, Cultural conservatism
Founded: January 2013
Leader: Conrad Sangma
Presence: 1 MP seat, 1 MLC seat and presence in state legislatures.
Symbol: A Book written in hindi alphabets
Meaning : It signifies knowledge, education and the party’s commitment towards regionalism and cultural conservatism for inclusive development.

These political parties represent a diverse range of ideologies and have varying levels of influence and presence across different states and regions of India.

State Political Parties in India

Registered political parties must meet one of the following conditions to be considered as a state party:

It has to receive not less than six percent of the valid votes polled in any election to the State Legislative Assembly and also win at least two seats in that assembly.
The other condition is that it must secure not less than six percent of valid votes polled in any Lok Sabha general election from a particular state and win at least one seat in the Lok Sabha.
Another way is winning three percent of total seats or any fraction allotted to that state.
Alternatively, under more relaxed rules, an organisation could qualify for recognition as a state party if its share among all states’ popular vote exceeds or equals eight percent.

State Party in Three or More States:

1. All India Trinamool Congress

Political Parties Stand: Centre to centre-left
Beliefs: BangaBhumi, Progressiveness, Welfare state, Worldly outlook, Populism
Formed: 1998
Headed by: Mamata Banerjee
Places active in: Meghalaya, Tripura and West Bengal governments; 23 seats in Lok Sabha; 13 seats in Rajya Sabha
Logo: Two Grass Flowers
Interpretation: It represents modesty as well as people’s rights at local level plus commitment towards general welfare.

2. Communist Party of India

Political Stand: Leftism
Ideology: Communist, Marxist-Leninist, Anti-capitalist, Socialist, Secular
Established: 1925
Chairperson: D. Raja
Strength: Kerala, Manipur and Tamil Nadu governments; two Rajya Sabha MPs; state assembly members in various states.
Logo: Sickle with Star in background
Interpretation: The symbol signifies the party’s commitment towards peasant labour rights, socialism as well as the dream of a better tomorrow based on Marxist thought.

3. Janata Dal (Secular)

Political Affiliation: Leftist
Political Ideology: Secularism
Year of Establishment: 1999
Headed by: H. D. Deve Gowda
Influence: It has presence in Arunachal Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala governments; 1 Lok Sabha seat, 1 Rajya Sabha seat.
Party Symbol: A farmer ploughing a field with two oxen.
Interpretation: This represents the party’s emphasis on farming, rural empowerment and grassroots representation in Karnataka.

4. Janata Dal (United)

Political identity: Centre-left
Ideology: Socialism, Secularism, Integral Humanism
Established: 2003
Leader: Nitish Kumar
Presence: Holds office in Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar and Manipur; has one Lok Sabha seat, five Rajya Sabha seats and is a part of the state assemblies.
Symbol: An Arrow
Explanation: Progress, direction. Commitment of the party to move ahead with clear vision for development.

State Party in Two States:

1. All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam

Ideology: Populism, socialism, secularism, progressivism, social equality, Tamil nationalism
Year of foundation: 1972
Headed by: Edappadi K. Palaniswami
Places of existence: Puducherry and Tamil Nadu governments; 3 Rajya Sabha seats and a considerable number in state assemblies.
Symbolic representation: Two Leaves
Interpretation: Represents the togetherness of Dravidian political parties

2. Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam

Political Position: Middle-left to Left-wing
Ideology: Democratic socialism, Self-Respect feminism, Marxism, Social justice, Federalism
Date established: 1949
Headquarters: Chennai, India
Leader Title: General Secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist Leninist) Liberation
Leader Name: M. K. Stalin
Seats in Rajya Sabha: 10
Presence/Representation in government: Puducherry and Tamil Nadu Representative Governments; Rajya Sabha; State Legislative Assembly.

3. Naga People’s Front

Political Position: Regionalism
Ideology: Regionalism
Founded: In the year 2002
Leader: Kuzholuzo Nienu
Presence: Representation in Manipur and Nagaland governments; 1 Lok Sabha seat, 1 Rajya Sabha seat, representation in state assemblies.
Symbol: A Cock
Meaning: It signifies bravery, perseverance, and the party’s dedication to protect the rights of Naga people.

4. Nationalist Congress Party

Political Position: Centre
Ideology: Indian nationalism, Secularism
Founded: 1999
Leader: Ajit Pawar
Presence: Maharashtra and Nagaland governments; 1 Lok Sabha seat, 1 Rajya Sabha seat, and representation in state assemblies.
Symbol: A Clock
Meaning: It signifies progress, efficiency as well as the party’s commitment to timely and efficient governance.

5. Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar)

Political Stand: Middle
Beliefs: Indian patriotism, Secularism
Established: 2024
Headed by: Sharad Pawar
Area of Operation: Maharashtra and Nagaland administrations; four Lok Sabha seats, two Rajya Sabha seats as well as state legislatures representation.
Symbolized by: Analogue Clock
Interpretation: This denotes the importance of punctuality in governance, development and competent leadership.

6. Rashtriya Janata Dal

Political Position: Center-left to left-wing
Ideology: Socialism
Founded: In 1997
Leader: Lalu Prasad Yadav, Tejashwi Yadav
Presence: Representation in Bihar and Jharkhand governments; 6 Rajya Sabha seats, and significant representation in state assemblies.
Symbol: A Lantern
Meaning: Stands for enlightenment, guidance, and the party’s dedication to lighting up the ways of development.

7. Telugu Desam Party

Political Position: Center-Right
Ideology: Populism, Liberalism (Economic)
Year Established: 1982
Head: N. Chandrababu Naidu
Presence: 3 Lok Sabha seats; 1 Rajya Sabha seat; Andhra Pradesh and Telangana governments’ representation in state assemblies.
Symbol: Bicycle
Interpretation: It symbolizes mobility, advancement, as well as the party’s dedication to building infrastructures for empowering masses.

8. YSR Congress Party

Political Position: Center-left
Ideology: Populism, Regionalism
Founded: 2011
Leader: Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy
Presence: They have representation in the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana governments; 22 seats in the Lok Sabha, 9 Rajya Sabha seats, and considerable representation in various state assemblies.
Symbol: Ceiling fan
Meaning: The ceiling fan represents comfort, progress, and commitment to understanding people’s requirements and dreams.

These states represent different areas of interest and have a big role in their states’ politics, making India a diverse political country.

State Party in Only One State

1. All India Forward Bloc

State: West Bengal
Political Position: Leftist
Ideology: Left nationalism, Socialism, Anti-imperialism, Marxism
Established: 1939
Leader: Debabrata Biswas
Presence: None in Lok Sabha; some representation within state assembly
Symbol: Kite
Significance: The kite represents freedom and hope. It stands also for the party’s dedication to the cause of socialism and its pledge to champion rights of deprived sections.

2. All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen

State: Telangana
Political leanings: Right-wing
Ideology: Mixed nationality, Minority rights, Dalit rights, Constitutionalism
Year of establishment: 1927
Headquartered by: Asaduddin Owaisi
Number of Lok Sabha seats: Two
Number of seats in the state assembly: Ten seats
Symbolised by a kite
Meaning: The emblem signifies independence, self-assertion and the Muslim community’s welfare-oriented approach to politics.

3. All India N.R. Congress

Name: Puducherry
Orientation: Middle
Beliefs: Populism, Social democracy
Time of establishment: 2011
Head: N. Rangaswamy
Number of seats in the Indian Parliament: 1 Lok Sabha seat, representation in state assembly.
Logo: Water Jug (informally)

4. All India United Democratic Front

State: Assam
Established: 2005
Head: Badruddin Ajmal
Presence: 1 representative in the lower house of parliament, 15 seats in state legislative assembly
Symbol: Padlock and key
Importance: Symbolizes safety and safeguarding minority rights.

5. All Jharkhand Students Union

State: Jharkhand
Year of Establishment: 1986
Chief Minister: Sudesh Mahto
Lok Sabha Seats: 1
Vidhan Sabha Seats: 2
Party Symbol: Banana
Significance : It stands for fertility and growth

6. Apna Dal (Sonelal)

State: UP
Political Position: Right-Center
Ideology: Kurmi Interest
Established: 2016
Leader: Anupriya Patel
Presence: 2 Seats in Lok Sabha, 12 seats in state assembly
Symbol: Ticker symbol
Significance : Symbolizes dynamism and progress.

7. Asom Gana Parishad

State: Assam
Political Position: Centre-right
Ideology: Regionalism, Anti-Bengali sentiment
Founded: 1985
Leader: Atul Bora
Presence: 1 Lok Sabha seat, 9 seats in state assembly
Symbol: Elephant
Significance: Represents strength and regional pride.

9. Bharat Rashtra Samithi

State: Telangana
Political Position: Centre to centre-right
Ideology: Regionalism, Populism, Conservatism, Separatism
Founded: 2001
Symbol: Car
Significance: Represents speed and modernity.
Leader: K. Chandrashekar Rao
Presence: 9 Lok Sabha seats, 39 seats in state assembly

10. Biju Janata Dal

State: Odisha
Political Position: Centre-Left
Ideology: Regionalism, Populism, Secularism, Liberalism, Economic nationalism
Founded: 1997
Leader: Naveen Patnaik
Presence: 12 Lok Sabha seats, 111 seats in state assembly
Symbol: Conch shell
Significance: Stands for victory and resilience.

11. Bodoland People’s Front

State: Assam
Ideology: Secularism, Democratic socialism
Founded: 2005
Leader: Hagrama Mohilary
Presence: One Lok Sabha seat, three seats in state assembly
Symbol: Nangol (a traditional plough)
Significance: Represents agriculture and cultural heritage.

12. Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist) Liberation

Region: Bihar
Political Position: Far left
Ideology: Communism, Marxism–Leninism, Maoism
Established: 1974
Headed by: Dipankar Bhattacharya
Present in: State Assembly (13 seats)
Symbolised by: Red Star
Meaning: The red star shows that the party stays true to Marxist-Leninist beliefs and represents socialism, revolution and anti-imperialism.

13. Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam

State: Tamil Nadu
Political Position: Middle to center-left
Ideology: Welfare state, Populism, Secularism, Social democracy
Established: 2005
Leader: Premallatha Vijayakant
Presence: Nil in Lok Sabha and state assembly constituencies.
Symbol: Train engine
Importance: Represents advancement and infrastructural growth in Tamil Nadu.

14. Goa Forward Party

State: Goa
Ideology: Regionalism
Founded: 2016
Leader: Vijai Sardesai
Presence: One seat in the state assembly
Symbol: Tractor
Significance: Symbolizes agricultural and rural development in Goa.

15. Hill State People’s Democratic Party

Name: Meghalaya
Established in: 1968
President: KP Panggang
Strength: 2 representatives in state legislative assembly
Logo: Lion
Importance: Indicates power and independence of the tribal population of Meghalaya.

16. Indian National Lok Dal

State: Haryana
Political Position: Centre
Ideology: Social liberalism, Regionalism
Year of establishment: 1996
Founder: Om Prakash Chautala
Presence: 1 seat in state assembly
Symbol: Spectacles
Significance: It stands for the vision of development and transparency in government that the party believes in.

17. Indian Union Muslim League

State: Kerala
Position: Central-right
Principles: Muslim Interests, Conservative Social views
Formed: 1948
Chief: Shihab Thangal Hyderali
Seats in Lok Sabha: 3 seats
Seats in the State Assembly: 15 seats
Symbol: Ladder
Meaning: Stands for growth and development as well as represents its commitment towards advancing Muslim community welfare.

18. Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura

State: Tripura
Political position: Centre-right
Ideology: Regionalism, Ethnic nationalism, Anti-immigration
Established in: 2009
Headed by: N.C. Debbarma
Presence in: 1 seat of state assembly
Symbolised by: Bow and Arrow
Meaning: Represents strength, persistence and preparedness to fight for the rights and interests of the indigenous people of Tripura.

19. Jammu & Kashmir National Conference

State: Jammu and Kashmir
Formation: 1932
Headed by: Farooq Abdullah
Representation in the Lok Sabha: Three seats
Electorate symbol: Plough
Significance: Stands for agricultural wealth as well as the party’s dedication towards betterment and growth of the area.

20. Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party

Place: Jammu and Kashmir
Year: 1982
Headed By: Bhim Singh
Existence: No positions in Lok Sabha or state assembly
Emblem: Bicycle
Meaning: Stands for development, motion and grass root level connectivity that demonstrates the social welfare and empowerment agenda of the party.

21. Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party

Designation: Jammu and Kashmir
Founded: 1999
Leader: Mehbooba Mufti
Existence: Zero parliamentary or legislative council seats
Mark of identification: Inkpot with pen
Importance: It represents knowledge, awareness and potentiality of thoughts; thereby embodying the party’s faith in democratic norms, dialogue process and progressive administration.

22. Janta Congress Chhattisgarh

State: Chhattisgarh
Political Position: Leftist
Ideology: Fairness, Feminist movement, Direct democracy, Agriculture
Founded: Year 2016
Leader: Renu Jogi
Presence: Two seats in the state assembly.
Symbol: Comb
Significance: It represents togetherness and power of many people as a single unit towards common good, which is based on social justice, agrarianism and empowerment of the masses.

23. Jannayak Janta Party

State: Haryana
Political Position: Democracy socialism
Founded: Two thousand eighteen
Leader: Dushyant Chautala
Presence: 10 seats in state assembly
Symbol : Chappal
Significance : Demonstrates the organisation’s dedication to the people and their daily fights, thus indicative of democratic socialisation plus fairness.

24. Jharkhand Mukti Morcha

State: Jharkhand
Formed in: the year 1972
Leaders: Shibu Soren and Hemant Soren
Presence: One seat in the state assembly and one in Lok Sabha
Symbol: Bow and Arrow
Importance: The bow and arrow represents the fight for tribal rights and autonomy, symbolising the party’s roots in Jharkhand.

25. Kerala Congress (M)

State: Kerala
Ideology: Welfare, Democratic socialism
Founded: 1979
Leader: Jose K. Mani
Presence: One seat in the Lok Sabha, five seats in the state assembly
Symbol: Two leaves
Significance: This reflects their focus on representing the people of Kerala especially farmers.

26. Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas)

State: Nagaland
Established: 2021
Head: Chirag Paswan
Seats: 1 Lok Sabha, 1 assembly seat
Symbol: Mansion
Significance: It represents that the party is committed to giving homes and security to underprivileged people.

27. Maharashtra Navnirman Sena

State: Maharashtra
Political Position: Very right
Ideology: Hindutva, Right-wing populism, Regionalism, Ultranationalism
Founded: 2006
Leader: Raj Thackeray
Presence: One Lok Sabha seat
Symbol: Railway Engine
Meaning: The emblem represents the party’s emphasis on infrastructure development and modernisation, especially in transport.

28. Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party

Goa
Position: Center
Ideology: Populism, regionalism
Established: 1963
Leader: Deepak Dhavalikar
Presence: State assembly 1 seat
Symbol: Lion
Meaning: It stands for power, bravery and pride, showing that the party is determined in defending and advancing Maharashtra and Goa people’s benefits.

29. Mizo National Front

State: Mizoram
Established: 1961
Leader: Zoramthanga
Presence: 1 Lok Sabha seat, 10 seats in the state assembly
Symbol: Star
Significance: It symbolises hope, dreams, and enlightenment for the people of Mizoram. This mirrors their vision and mission.

30. Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party

State: Nagaland
Political Position: Right
Ideology: Regionalism
Founded: 2017
Leader: Neiphiu Rio
Presence: 1 Lok Sabha seat, 25 seats in state assembly
Symbol: Rooster
Significance: The bird represents watchfulness, bravery and aggressiveness that shows the party’s determination to protect Naga people’s welfare and rights.

31. People’s Party of Arunachal

State: Arunachal Pradesh
Name: Regionalism
Birth: 1977
Head: Kamen Ringu
No seat in Lok Sabha or state assembly
Symbol: Snow Lion
Meaning: It is a sign of power, bravery and strong willpower that means that the party is dedicated to the good life for all people in Arunachal Pradesh.

32. Rashtriya Loktantrik Party

State: Rajasthan
Establishment: 2018
Head: Hanuman Beniwal
Constituency: 1 in Lok Sabha, 3 in state assembly
Symbol: Electric fan hanging from a roof
Importance: It represents the desire of common man to attain authority and draws attention towards their commitment to electoral rights and good governance.

33. Revolutionary Goans Party

State Name: Goa
Established: 2022
Leader: Viresh Borkar
No seats in Lok Sabha or legislative assembly.
Representative symbol: Soccer ball
Importance: Represents spirit and togetherness among Goans, indicating their desire for development and joint efforts.

34. Revolutionary Socialist Party

Kerala is a state in India.
Position: Farthest Left
Ideology: Communism, Marxism-Leninism, Revolutionary Socialism
Formed: 1940
Leader: Manoj Bhattacharya
Seats in the Lok Sabha: 1
Symbol: Shovel and stoker
Importance: Represents labor and industrial work.

35. Samajwadi Party

State Name: Uttar Pradesh
Political Position: Left-wing
Ideology: Social democracy, Democratic socialism, Left-wing populism
Year of Foundation: 1992
Leader: Akhilesh Yadav
Presence: Three Lok Sabha seats, One hundred twelve seats in state assembly
Symbol: Bicycle
Significance: Symbolises progress, mobility and commitment towards social upliftment and empowerment through affordable transport.

36. Shiromani Akali Dal

State: Punjab
Political Position: Centre-right
Ideology: Punjabi identity, Conservatism, Federalism
Founded: 1920
Leader: Sukhbir Singh Badal
Presence: Two Lok Sabha seats, three seats in state assembly
Symbol: Balance Scale ⚖️
Importance: Symbolizes justice and fairness which are the party’s main goals along with equality of rights before law and Sikh values in governance.

37. Sikkim Democratic Front

State Name: Sikkim
Political Position: Left-wing to centre-left
Ideology: Democratic socialism
Year of establishment: 1993
Leader: Pawan Kumar Chamling
Representation: One seat in Lok Sabha, one seat in the state assembly
Symbol: An umbrella
Meaning: It signifies security and defense which is why it represents a party that has pledged itself towards protecting individuals’ rights as well as promoting social welfare.

38. Sikkim Krantikari Morcha

State: Sikkim
Political Position: Democratic socialism
Founded: 2013
Leader: Prem Singh Tamang
Presence: 1 Lok Sabha seat, 19 seats in state assembly
Symbol: Bicycle
Significance: Progress, mobility, and empowerment; these concepts signify the intention of the party to create a better life for all people by means of growth and change.

39. Shiv Sena

State: Maharashtra
Political Position: Right Wing to Far-Right
Ideology: Hindutva, Nationalism, Marathi Regionalism, Social Conservatism, Ultranationalism, Economic Nationalism, Right Populism
Founded: 1966
Leader: Eknath Shinde
Presence: Thirteen Lok Sabha seats and forty in the state assembly.
Symbol: Bow and arrow
Significance: It stands for Hindu warrior tradition as well as cultural pride of Maharashtra reflecting their belief system built around hindutva or regionalistic feelings towards nationalism.

40. Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray)

State: Maharashtra
Political Position: Centre-right to right-wing
Ideology: Hindutva-Secularism, Patriotism, Marathi Nationalism, Indian Nationalism
Founded: 2022 A.D.
Leader: Uddhav Thackeray
Presence: Six Seats in Lok Sabha; Seventeen seats in Vidhan Sabha
Symbol: A flaming torch
Significance: Enlightenment and struggle

41. Tipra Motha Party

Place: Tripura
Ideology: Tripuri nationalism, Greater Tipraland
Established: 2019
Head: Pradyot Bikram Manikya Deb Barma
Existence: No presence in Lok Sabha or state assembly
Sign: Coconut
Meaning: It signifies the party’s link to local identity and culture which manifests as its support for Tripuri nationalism as well as desire for larger Tipraland..

42. United Democratic Party

State: Meghalaya
Founding Year: 1997
Beliefs: Regionalism, Populism
Chief-In-Command: Metbah Lyngdoh
Existence: Absence of Lok Sabha seats, Presence in 11 state assembly constituencies
Symbol: Handshake
Meaning: Epitomises the organization’s dedication to solidarity and collaboration amidst a wide variety of communities and concerns in the area; indicating its emphasis on regionalism and populism.

43. United People’s Party Liberal

State: Assam
Political Position: Centre
Ideology: Regionalism
Founded in: 2015
Leader: Urkhao Gwra Brahma
Representatives in the Lok Sabha: None
Seats in the State Assembly : 7
Symbol of the party : Tractor
Representation : Enlightenment and Struggle

44. Voice of the People Party

State: Meghalaya
Ideology: Regionalism, Federalism
Inception: 2021
Supervisor: Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit
Existence: None in the Lok Sabha or state assembly.

45. Zoram Nationalist Party

State: Mizoram
Political Position: Centre
Ideology: Regionalism
Founded: 1997
Leader: H. Lalrinmawia
Presence: No representation in Lok Sabha or state assembly
Symbol: Sun
Significance: Represents radiance and vitality, emphasizing the party’s focus on energetic and renewing politics for Mizoram.

46. Zoram People’s Movement

State: Mizoram
Ideology: Against Hindutva nationalism, secularism, conservative Christianity, Christian right
Founded: 2017
Leader: Lalduhoma
Presence: None in the lower house of parliament, twenty seven in the state legislative assembly
Symbol: Sun going up
Significance: It symbolizes new beginnings and a new era in regional governance, signifying the party’s stress on local self-government and sustainable development in Mizoram.

India’s states represent a complicated political landscape because the parties involved in them have different ideologies and regional interests.

Things To Keep In Mind

Visual representations of identity, values, and beliefs in a political party are known as party symbols. These play an important role during campaigns where they help communicate messages to voters who cannot read or are less politically conscious.

The Election Commission of India allots symbols for use by registered parties during elections. This is done to ensure fair play and avoid any mix-up among electorates.

Some parties may opt for symbols that resonate with their desired voter bases or serve to set them apart from rivals. The choice of a symbol is usually well thought out so as to achieve the highest possible number of wins in an election.

It is important to appreciate what these symbols mean in terms of our understanding about Indian politics that is often characterised by multi-party systems; also how different organisations go about reaching out to people and gaining their support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the main ideologies of Indian political parties?

Indian political parties encompass a wide range of ideologies including socialism, regionalism, secularism, nationalism, and liberalism, each shaping their policies and objectives.

How do regional parties impact Indian politics?

Regional parties play a significant role in Indian politics by representing the interests of specific states or regions, often holding sway in state governments and influencing national coalition politics.

What is the significance of party symbols in Indian elections?

Party symbols serve as visual representations aiding illiterate voters to identify their preferred party on the ballot, fostering a connection with the electorate and facilitating democratic participation.